OUR VIEW: Reason for optimism

Published: Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 4, 2013 at 7:38 p.m.

It’s not quite Joni Mitchell’s paradise paved as a parking lot, but economics played a big factor in the closure of River Trace Golf Course, more commonly called Goodyear Golf Course.

First came the contraction of company perks, which resulted in Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. selling the course to the East Gadsden Golf Club a few years ago. Then, the club couldn’t meet its financial obligations and the course was sold to Grissom Family Properties two years ago in a bankruptcy sale. Its demise as a golf course was a foregone conclusion.

The conclusion came Monday, the last day the course was open for play. This spring work will begin there on the front 28 acres of the roughly 100-acre property for a retail development, expected to open in 2014.

While we’re sorry to see the course close, we’re encouraged by what the development means for Gadsden, especially given the tough economic times of the last few years.

That a developer is willing to spend the money needed to launch a development of this size (and has enough commitments from retailers to make it a viable plan) is good news.

Gadsden and Etowah County begin 2013 on an optimistic note. Industrial Development Authority Director Mike McCain says the area is being considered by several industrial prospects ranging from small metal fabrication operations to automotive parts suppliers to electronic component manufacturers.

It’s too early to put the wages in the bank, but we’re hopeful.

Downtown Gadsden Inc. Director Kay Moore says one relatively new business has become an important player in just a few short months. Back Forty Beer Co., which opened in January, has lured quite a few visitors to downtown and has hosted several events.

The occupancy rate downtown remains strong and with new investors tackling renovation projects on some old buildings, things are looking up.

Coosa Town Center has been a successful addition to East Gadsden and the Blackwater Resources project planned for the golf course certainly will add to Gadsden’s retail base and provide needed jobs while keeping sales tax money here as well.

Our glasses may be rose-colored, but we think there’s good reason to be optimistic.

<p>It's not quite Joni Mitchell's paradise paved as a parking lot, but economics played a big factor in the closure of River Trace Golf Course, more commonly called <a href="http://www.gadsdentimes.com/goodyear"><b>Goodyear</b></a> Golf Course.</p><p>First came the contraction of company perks, which resulted in Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. selling the course to the East Gadsden Golf Club a few years ago. Then, the club couldn't meet its financial obligations and the course was sold to Grissom Family Properties two years ago in a bankruptcy sale. Its demise as a golf course was a foregone conclusion.</p><p>The conclusion came Monday, the last day the course was open for play. This spring work will begin there on the front 28 acres of the roughly 100-acre property for a retail development, expected to open in 2014.</p><p>While we're sorry to see the course close, we're encouraged by what the development means for Gadsden, especially given the tough economic times of the last few years. </p><p>That a developer is willing to spend the money needed to launch a development of this size (and has enough commitments from retailers to make it a viable plan) is good news.</p><p>Gadsden and Etowah County begin 2013 on an optimistic note. Industrial Development Authority Director Mike McCain says the area is being considered by several industrial prospects ranging from small metal fabrication operations to automotive parts suppliers to electronic component manufacturers.</p><p>It's too early to put the wages in the bank, but we're hopeful.</p><p>Downtown Gadsden Inc. Director Kay Moore says one relatively new business has become an important player in just a few short months. Back Forty Beer Co., which opened in January, has lured quite a few visitors to downtown and has hosted several events.</p><p>The occupancy rate downtown remains strong and with new investors tackling renovation projects on some old buildings, things are looking up.</p><p>Coosa Town Center has been a successful addition to East Gadsden and the Blackwater Resources project planned for the golf course certainly will add to Gadsden's retail base and provide needed jobs while keeping sales tax money here as well.</p><p>Our glasses may be rose-colored, but we think there's good reason to be optimistic.</p>